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TheCleaner
Member
10!
Baddest BigDog of them all!
You will notice a difference in ride from you Harley but I got used to mine right away after trading mine in...turning radius, no rear suspension even though the stock Ridgebacks come with a huge seat. I am 6' 3" and 220lbs and I chucked that seat and put an 05 ridgeback seat on mine and it looks a hell of alot better and still feels comfortable. Any way the Ridgeback in my mind is top dog!
Baddest BigDog of them all!
You will notice a difference in ride from you Harley but I got used to mine right away after trading mine in...turning radius, no rear suspension even though the stock Ridgebacks come with a huge seat. I am 6' 3" and 220lbs and I chucked that seat and put an 05 ridgeback seat on mine and it looks a hell of alot better and still feels comfortable. Any way the Ridgeback in my mind is top dog!
TheCleaner
Member
You're right it is more stable and if you notice it feels lighter cause the center of gravity on the Big dog is lower than the Harley. The 330 tire will grab the road so be careful with that...I mean if the road is uneven it will pull to one side or the other. But like I said I got used to it right away. Good luck.
Jones
Member
My 08 Ridge
My experience 30+ years. Including several hardtails. I notice that the Ridgeback is very stable . I find that it takes a bit more effort to turn the bike at speed. Bike wants to stay upright due to the gyroscopic effect of the massive rear gyro (read tire).I strongly suggest that you FOCUS while turning at low speeds and on bumpy roads until you see how she reacts in those scenarios. From a stand still make sure that you get moving a bit before you turn the handlebars. I have saddle time on 4 other dogs and I like the Ridgeback the most.
My experience 30+ years. Including several hardtails. I notice that the Ridgeback is very stable . I find that it takes a bit more effort to turn the bike at speed. Bike wants to stay upright due to the gyroscopic effect of the massive rear gyro (read tire).I strongly suggest that you FOCUS while turning at low speeds and on bumpy roads until you see how she reacts in those scenarios. From a stand still make sure that you get moving a bit before you turn the handlebars. I have saddle time on 4 other dogs and I like the Ridgeback the most.
tacoloco
Member
I have the 08 Ridgeback and I have to tell you that it is a lot of fun to ride it.
I traded my 06 k9 for the ridgeback because of the improved handling and looks.Feeling of the road is intense anf fun.
If I want comfort on my ride, I'll get a cadillac.
Now you also have to be in shape to sustained the bumps. The 08 Ridgeback is not for the average joe.
I traded my 06 k9 for the ridgeback because of the improved handling and looks.Feeling of the road is intense anf fun.
If I want comfort on my ride, I'll get a cadillac.
Now you also have to be in shape to sustained the bumps. The 08 Ridgeback is not for the average joe.
erldawg
Guru
Everyone has different experiences and feelings about riding Big Dogs. I rode the Chopper, K-9 and Ridgeback before making my choice. If you haven't already I'd ride them all. my :zz2cents:
ALDog
Active Member
Erldawg, well said. I rode a K9 and Ridgeback and ended up going with the 08 Ridgeback. I liked the look a lot better and like the way the bike feels as far as feedback. That feedback can get a bit intense sometimes but that just takes some getting used to. I traded an 07 V Rod for it and I could ride the Ridgeback a lot longer without being uncomfortable than I could the V Rod. It is just a comfortable riding position and as long as you look out for the big bumps and prepare for them, you get used to the smaller ones. Good luck!!!!:up:
BigDogBro1
Made in the USA
Here's my spin on the geometry-
The turning effort on any rear fat tire bike is more due to the front and rear tire patch center lines (F-- ---R) become greater misaligned the more the bike leans to the side. This makes the bike want to upright itself to realign the tires center lines.
When you ride a fat tire bike you can make it easier to steer at low speeds, such as going around an intersection corner by not leaning your body into the turn as much and giving a bit of counter-steer. It will take some time to get comfortable with if you have only rode 225mm sized or less rear tire bikes.
Enjoy the hell out of it. After 500-1000 miles you'll jump on it and take off like it's a minibike!
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K9Anniv
Well-Known Member
You're going from the far left to the far right of the riding spectrum! Only YOU can decide by test riding each bike. Are you taking long distance trips and need carrying/luggage space?...go with the Roadglide. Are you riding short distances and are into looks and 'bad-ass' attitude?...go with the Ridgeback. Either way, decide for yourself...and enjoy life!!!
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